Introduced in 2002,[2] the Vios serves as the replacement to the Tercel (called the Soluna in Thailand and Indonesia), which filled the Asian subcompact or B-segment class, below the Corolla and Camry which are also sold in the region. Beginning 2005, the Vios was also marketed alongside its hatchback complement, the Yaris in most Asia Pacific countries. In the United States, Jamaica and Australia, the second generation Vios is known as the Toyota Yaris sedan.

The first generation Vios, codenamed NCP42 was assembled at Thailand's 1 million square metre Toyota Gateway Plant in Gateway City, Amphoe Plaeng Yao, Chachoengsao Province, as part of a cooperative project between Thai engineers and Toyota's Japanese designers.

The Vios in Thailand, Indonesia, Singapore, Brunei, Malaysia and Taiwan is powered by a 1.5 litre 1NZ-FE engine with VVT-i. The smaller 1.3 litre 2NZ-FE engine is offered in the Philippines. In China, the Vios comes with the 1.3 litre 8A-FE engine and 1.5 litre 5A-FE engine. Trim levels for Southeast Asia include J, E, S, and G, while the DLX, GL, GLX, and GLXi are offered in China.

The first generation Vios was adapted from the Platz with modified body panels, which created a significantly different appearance, although portions of the car feature design cues from the E120 Corolla. In September 2005,[2] the Vios received minor cosmetic changes to its exterior and interior for the 2006 model year. The front bumper, headlights and tail lights were freshened; also new were the wheels, speedometer dial design and interior trim.

Toyota Vios Touring Car raced by Toyota Team Indonesia

In other uses, the first generation Vios is adopted as a racing vehicle in Touring Car Championships in Indonesia and One Make Races in Thailand. The car is also in use as taxicabs in Indonesia but features lesser equipment and is specially rebadged as the Toyota Limo. This is not to be confused with certain taxis with the same name in Thailand, which use Toyota Corollas.

The Vios in the Philippines has three grades: the base 1.3 J with a l4 2NZ-FE VVT-i engine, 13" steel wheels and a central instrumental digital display. It is mated to a 5-speed manual transmission. The 1.3 E is the same as the J grade, only that it had different wheels, which is a 15" alloy 5-spoke wheel. The 1.5 G is the top-of-the-line segment, either mated to a 4-speed automatic transmission or 5-speed manual transmission, and the same wheel as to that of the E variant.

In Singapore, the Vios is marketed in E and S variants and is powered by a 1.5 L 1NZ-FE engine. The top-of-the-line S-grade (S for sport) comes with only a four-speed automatic transmission. It has a digital speedometer and other electronic instrumentation. The other E grade (E for executive) is available in both 5-speed manual and 4-speed automatic transmissions and comes with conventional meters.[6]

In Malaysia, the specs and engines are generally similar as Singapore, the only difference is that in Malaysia it is sold in E and G variants and comes with 15" alloy wheels and mudguards while Singapore versions do not.

In Taiwan, the Vios comes with a 1.5 L 1NZ-FE engine in 2 variants: E and J. The base J model costs about NT$499,000 while the E model costs about NT$529,000. The first generation Vios was sold and produced till the first quarter of 2014.

A "Turbo" variant of the first generation Vios was made available in Thailand only, boasting a turbocharged 1.5 litre engine with an air-to-air intercooler that produces 143 PS with light boost at 6400 rpm with 196 Nm of torque.[7] It goes from 0 – 100 km/h in 8.1 seconds. Only about 600 limited units were produced.[7] Standard on the Vios Turbo are a functional scoop on its hood, wrap-around body kits, stiffer springs, firmer shock-absorbers and 16" alloys. Colours available were only red, black and silver.[7] The transmission ratio and differential ratio were based on that of a Toyota MR-S.

The new Vios is essentially a re-badged Belta sedan, which was launched in May 2007. The model code for cars with 1.5 litre 1NZ-FE engines is NCP93 and is only available where the Vios is marketed, including the Philippines, Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore, Brunei and Thailand. As was the first generation Vios, the second generation Vios is assembled at Thailand's Toyota Gateway Plant and also at the Philippines Santa Rosa, Laguna Plant.

In the USA, it is marketed as the Yaris Sedan, replacing the Echo sedan, with production sourced from Japan. In Japan, it is named as Toyota Belta. The Vios is the top selling car in Southeast Asia in 2009.[10]

The new Vios was designed for more comfort rather than handling. Interior is much upgraded with more convenience features, and flat rear floor.

In Singapore, the Vios is sold in three grades, namely J, E and G, with J being the grade with lesser accessories and G with the most accessories.

The J grade is the lowest grade and comes standard with a CD/MP3/WMA player with 4 speakers, keyless entry, ABS/EBD/BA (on front disc brakes only), driver-only SRS airbag, sports alloy rims and interior fabric with dark grey colour seats. As of October 2012[update], the Vios J is priced at S$113,988 (automatic) based on a COE of S$63,000.

The Vios E is the medium grade which offers slightly more equipment than the Vios J. As Borneo Motors (Singapore) no longer sells the manual variant of the Vios J, the Vios E is currently the only model that offers manual transmission in the Toyota saloon line in Singapore. In comparison to the J grade, the Vios E Classic includes an additional SRS airbag for the front passenger and side moulding. The Vios E Classic is priced at S$110,988 for manual or S$112,988 for automatic as of October 2012, based on a COE of S$63,000. There is another variant of the E grade known as the Elegance. The Elegance comes with leather seats and fog lights. As of October 2012[update], the Elegance costs S$2000 more than the Classic.

The Vios G is the most luxurious grade available in Singapore and is only available with automatic gearbox. The Vios G adds 6 speakers CD/MP3 player, optitron meters, all round disc brakes and 60:40 split foldable rear seats on top of the E and J grade. As of October 2012[update], the Vios G is priced at S$119,988, based on a COE Cat A of S$63,000.

Optional third party "Sport" bodykit were offered, and aftermarket alloy rims which were added by the Toyota dealership in Singapore (Borneo Motors). In 2012, three new colours were added – Grey Metallic (1G3), Attitude Black Mica (211) and Blackish Red Mica (3R0) – to make 7 colours in total. In 2013, Borneo Motors (Singapore) re-introduced optional TRD "Sportivo" sports kit to the E grade which was the only variant available for the Vios.

Thailand, which currently manufactures the Vios, is offered a total of three grades (J, E and G), as well as two limited edition grades (G-Limited and S-Limited). Thailand is currently the only country that offers all existing grades of the new Vios, whilst export markets are only given a fraction of the Thai range in varying combinations. In addition, certainly the range of equipment in Thai Vios' differs from those in export versions.

The J Grade is the most basic grade of the second generation Vios, offering the least sophisticated set of equipment, such as an unchangeable CD/MP3/WMA player with 4 speakers, an optional keyless entry with TVSS, ABS/EBD/BA, 15-inch steel wheels with hubcaps, rear fog lamps, and interior fabric with dark grey colour seat.

The E Grade is a medium-class variant up a notch from the J Grade but is positioned lower than the G Grade. In comparison to the J Grade, the E Grade features a keyless entry with TDS, an option between dark grey or ivory-coloured seat fabrics, optional driver and front passenger SRS airbags, front and rear fog lamps, 15-inch sports alloy rims and side moulding.

The G Grade is the most well equipped variant among the three base grades, featuring the most equipment. In comparison to the J Grade, the G variant features an unchangeable 6 speaker CD/MP3/WMA player, leather seating in either dark grey or ivory, driver and front passenger SRS airbags, a multi-functional steering wheel, 15-inch sports alloy rims, front and rear fog lamps, side moulding, a blue "Optitron" panel with a multi-information display, and 60:40 fold-down rear seats.

A G-Limited Grade, which offers the same features as the G Grade, is additionally provided with several enhancements on the interior, including a keyless and smart entry with TDS, a Start/Stop push button, and an immobilizer key and a bodykit to the exterior.

An additional grade solely available as a limited edition is the S-Limited Grade, which features a "Wrap-Around Aeropart" bodykit, an orange "Optitron" panel with a multi-information display, high intensity discharge headlamps with automatic height adjustment, and all-wheel disc brakes.

Audio systems in all second generation Vios grades are equipped with ASL (Auto-Speed Sound Levelizer), which detects and compensates for changes in external noise levels, adjusting volume and tone controls automatically based on the car's speed.

In the Philippines, the second generation Vios was launched in 2008 in 3 versions: 1.3 J, 1,3 E and 1,5 G. All variants were available with a 5-speed manual transmission, the G variant also with a 4-speed automatic.

The 1.5 G Limited XX Edition was released in July 2008. This is the same as the G variant, but came with HID headlights, 17" 10-spoke alloy wheels and a small rubber spoiler. The 1.5 S also got this spoiler and different 17" Rota Bolognia Mags with 205/45 tires. The G XX Limited and S variants were released in different colour schemes.

A face-lifted model was launched on April 6, 2010, with a new front grille, new headlamp and tail lamp assemblies, and newly designed 15" alloy wheels (for the G grade). It was still available in three variants: the base 1.3 J mated to a 5-speed manual transmission, the 1.3 E, with the choice of a 5-speed manual or the now available 4-speed automatic transmission, and the 1.5 G, still with the choice of a 5 speed manual or 4 speed automatic transmission.

For 2012, a 1.3 litre engine for the G variant was released, and it was mated to a 4-speed automatic transmission, then later a 5-speed manual transmission. Also available from 2012 was a variant lower than the J variant called the 1.3 Base which came only in a 5-speed manual transmission. During late 2012, the E variant was discontinued to make way for the 1.3G variant. In 2013, the 1.5 TRD Sportivo variant was released.

During its entire period on sale, the second generation Vios was the best selling car in the Philippines helping Toyota to maintain its status as the best selling brand in the country with a fairly large margin.[12][clarification needed]

The new Vios NCP93 was officially launched to the Indonesian market in April 2007. The Indonesian Vios can be distinguished from other countries' models with its V-shape grille ornament which is the optional for the Yaris Hatchback. Like the outgoing NCP42, the new Vios is offered in E (manual only), and G (manual and automatic) trim levels.

All models comes equipped with ABS and analog instrument panel. The E has rear drum brake, and the G comes with all discs. The higher grade G model has standard front and rear fog lamps, audio control on the steering wheel, auto-leveling HID headlamps, multi-information display and back sonar. Start/Stop push button is only on the G with automatic transmission.

For the facelift models, the Indonesian Vios no longer featured V-shape grille ornament. It now has the same appearance as other countries' models. In addition to the regular trim levels, there is also TRD Sportivo model based on the G which adds an all-round body kit to the exterior and comes fitted with AV DVD Player with Navi Ready.

The second generation Vios was unveiled in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia on 5 October 2007, two weeks ahead of its official launch on 19 October 2007.[13] The new Vios is powered exclusively by the tried and tested 1NZ-FE 1.5 litre four-cylinder engine with VVT-i, which included a redesigned air intake and exhaust system to improve low to mid-range torque. It was also fitted with the Super ECT four-speed automatic with the same gear ratios as its predecessor, but with improved programming for the transmission control unit.[13] Electric power steering was offered in place of the hydraulic system in its predecessor.[13]

The second generation Vios was made available in four grades for the Malaysian market, namely J, E, G and S.

The J grade is the entry-level, no-frills version of the Vios. It was initially unavailable at the Malaysian Vios launch in October 2007, but was introduced 8 months later on 1 July 2008, offering a choice of either 5-speed manual or 4-speed automatic transmissions and costing between RM69,800 and RM73,500 respectively.[14]

The E grade is considered to be the lower-middle grade, retailing at RM78,700 at launch, whereas the G grade is the upper-middle grade, costing RM84,800 initially. These two grades differ mostly in terms of equipment levels and are mechanically identical, both sharing the 4-speed Super ECT gearbox.[15] Later on 29 June 2011, another variant called the G Limited was introduced at RM89,600, offering a new body kit, 15-inch alloy rims and leather seats on top of those already offered in the G grade.[16]

The S grade is a new addition to the Vios lineage. It featured the highest levels of cosmetic enhancements, including a body kit which encompassed a front bumper spoiler, side skirts, rear skirt and a bootlid spoiler.[15] The interior received a dark grey/black trim treatment, and included an Optitron meter with a multi-information display, as opposed to the E and G grades' conventional backlit display. The S grade was the most expensive Vios variant, costing RM88,100 at launch.[15] Later on 17 June 2009, UMW Toyota launched the new Vios 1.5 TRD Sportivo which effectively replaced the S grade.[17] It featured a new body kit, Enkei rims, various interior trim improvements and an optional sports suspension kit. The Vios TRD Sportivo was updated on 29 June 2011, featuring a new grille, unique alloy rims and leather seats.[16]

On 15 April 2010, the Toyota Vios received a facelift in Malaysia, offering mostly cosmetic improvements at a price increment of up to RM2,000 over the pre-facelift variants.[18] The Vios was updated once more in 21 June 2012 in response to Honda Malaysia's facelift of the City, adding even more cosmetic kit, albeit without any significant mechanical improvements.[19]

All model grades included ABS with EBD and BA at the October 2007 launch, but the E grade was only offered with a single driver's airbag, whereas the G and S had an additional passenger airbag.[15] The J grade had no airbags at all upon its July 2008 launch, but was nonetheless offered with ABS + EBD and BA.[14] The J grade later received a driver's airbag in its 2010 facelift,[18] and a front passenger airbag in its 2012 update.[19] The Vios was never offered with Toyota's VSC system, despite being engineered with such technology in mind.

The Malaysian Toyota Vios is assembled locally by ASSB, a subsidiary of UMW Toyota, in Shah Alam, Selangor. The Vios has since become the best selling non-national badged vehicle in Malaysia, achieving record sales in 2012.[20]

The only major difference of the Vios in China is that the larger capacity models are powered by the new 1.6L 1ZR-FE engine with Dual VVT-i. The new Dual VVT-i engine system adjusts timing on both intake and exhaust camshafts which results in superior performance, excellent fuel economy and lower emissions.

Unlike other markets, Mainland China uses version naming as follows:[21]

The 3rd generation Vios was unveiled at the March 2013 Bangkok International Motor Show in Thailand.[25] Designated under the concept of 'Value Beyond Belief', Toyota aims to export the new Vios as a global model with world class standards. The new car was sold in Thailand shortly after,[26] and from the 2nd quarter in Asia. Toyota Motors Philippines announced that the local variant of the Vios will be manufactured in Santa Rosa, Laguna.[1]

According to Toyota, the car is based on a 'luxury-sport' design for both the exterior and interior. The exterior has been enlarged to 4,410 mm (173.6 in) in length, keeping the same width as the outgoing model and height grown to 1,475 mm (58.1 in). The interior is also made to be even more spacious than before, however its speedometer position is no longer mounted on the centre of the dashboard as with the earlier models of the Vios.

The 3rd generation Vios is available in 4 grades: J, E, G and the range topping S grade. Automatic and manual transmissions are offered on the J and E grade only.

The main difference between the higher spec grades with the lower spec ones is that from the exterior the former gets projector headlamps while the latter gets normal multi-reflector headlamps. New additions on the Vios are a push start system and smart entry, an Eco meter for the automatic models and auto air conditioners with climate control for the G and S variants only.

The Vios was first unveiled in Singapore in May 2013, just two months after its official showcase. It is available in two grades namely the E and G variants. Both variants available only come with an automatic transmission.

The basic E model features CD/MP3/WMA player with 4 speakers, keyless entry, dual SRS airbags as standard. The E (Elegance) grade has a standard switch air conditioning unit and features multi-reflector headlamps. On the other hand, the G (Grande) grade comes with auto air conditioner with climate control and projector headlamps. The G model also adds multi-function steering controls, 60:40 split foldable rear seats, a rear console armrest and all-round disc brakes with 15 inch sized front discs. Black-toned leather seats is optional on both models.

The third generation of the Toyota Vios was launched in Malaysia the first week of October 2013, and the new Vios is sold in five different variants (1.5J manual, 1.5J automatic, 1.5E automatic, 1.5G automatic and 1.5 TRD automatic), similar to the previous generation.[30]

The J Automatic which comes with the bare essentials start at around RM74,800, RM84,400 for the mid-range E variant and RM90,100 for the high spec G variant. There will also be TRD Sportivo variant similar to the previous generation which comes with TRD cosmetic parts and an all round bodykit featuring daytime running lights on the front bumper and 15 inch TRD wheels. The bodykit is optional on the other J, E and G variants.

In early 2015, Smart Entry and Push Start were made standard across the entire range. The door handles and rear garnish strip on the 1.5J and 1.5E received a chrome finish. The 1.5G model received an all-black leather interior, replacing the previous beige colour scheme. It also added door sill scuff plates – also standard on the 1.5E version. Further upgrades on the 1.5G variant were also the blue-coloured front footwell illumination while the range-topping TRD Sportivo model features a similar setup, albeit with an amber-coloured setup. In-car entertainment comes courtesy of two new optional platforms. The new DVD-AVX system increased the screen to 6.1 inches (compared to the old 5.8-inch screen) with USB, SD, AUX and Bluetooth along with a reverse camera. The more premium DVD-AVN option came with a new layout, a 7.0-inch touchscreen system, WiFi, HDMI, Bluetooth, voice recognition and a reverse camera.[31]

In the Philippines, the third generation Vios was introduced in late 2013 with the same 4 variants as the outgoing model: 1.3 Base, 1.3 J, 1.3 E and 1.5 G. The equivalent hatch back model is known as the Yaris. The Vios primarily competes with the Mitsubishi Mirage G4 (Attrage), Honda City and the Ford Fiesta.

Both manual and automatic transmissions are available for the E and G spec trim levels, while the Base and J are available as manual only. The 1.3L 2NZ-FE and 1.5L 1NZ-FE engines as well as the 5 speed manual and 4 speed automatic transmissions are carried over from the previous model.[32]

Like the previous generation, the third generation Vios has been the best selling car in the Philippines since its launch, and has helped Toyota reach new sales records and a market share of almost 40%.[33][clarification needed]

The E variant now receives front fog lights, the E and G variant have the same alloy wheels and the G variant now features 3 spoke leather steering wheels with audio control, multi information display beneath the speedometer and black and beige leather interior. TMP made a special event for the Vios named the "Vios Cup". In 2014 and in March 2015 the Vios Cup was held at Clark International Speedway in Pampanga. In May 2015 the Vios Cup was held in Cebu City.

The Vios in China was launched in November 2013 after its debut at the Shanghai Auto Show in April. The Vios is now only available in either 1.3L or 1.5L engine variants with the higher end 1.6L model dropped.[34] The Vios for the Chinese market will still be made locally by the FAW-Toyota joint venture that also made the previous generations for Toyota Vios.

In Taiwan, the third generation Vios was available from the second quarter of 2014. Three models have since been available in Classic, Elegant and Luxury variants. All models use the same 1.5L 1NZ-FE engine power plant from the previous model.

Additional features are available on top of the basic equipment in the Luxury variant which consists of a front/rear aero kit, smart entry system, engine push start button, smart climate control, multi-information display (MID) and piano lacquered trim.[37]

Notes: The sales data above only apply to models sold under the Toyota Vios nameplate (except for Thailand, 2004 - 2007 which include Toyota Soluna Vios).
The Toyota Soluna, Toyota Yaris Sedan and Toyota Belta nameplates are not applicable.

^LegendBlue : Standard across all trim levels.Green : Available on selected trim level(s) only, full package.Yellow : Available on selected trim level(s) only, but is not the full package.Red : Not available on selected trim level(s), or is the no-frills package.